Taking into account the previous leaks and statements from 'industry sources', it appears that the new iPad Mini will have a screen size of 7.85 inches on the diagonal, compared to 9.7 inches in the main iPad.

Apple is expected to fit the device with a fast processor, decent camera and long-lasting battery. It is also expected to come with Apple's new smaller Lightning dock connector for charging and connecting accessories, as well as the EarPod headphones.

The original iPad kickstarted the tablet computer market when it launched in 2010, but the iPad Mini would arrive with lots of competition.

Alongside Amazon's popular Kindle Fire range (coming to the UK this autumn) and Google's established Nexus 7, there are other 7-inch screen tablets competing for customers' attention, including devices from Barnes & Noble and Apple's big rival Samsung.